Ready to adopt a pet in Omaha, NE? We're here to help! Check out our list of the top places to adopt a dog, cat, or small pet in Omaha and what to expect!
Adopting a new pet is an exciting and fulfilling experience, but it can also be overwhelming, especially if you're unsure where to start. If you're in Omaha, Nebraska, and looking to adopt a dog, cat, or small pet, our guide can help you find the best and safest places to adopt. We provide a comprehensive list of adoption centers, along with information about each center's specialties, requirements, and fees.
Preparing for your new pet's arrival can also be a daunting task, but our guide offers practical advice on how to prepare your home and lifestyle for your furry friend. We also provide an overview of the adoption process, including standard requirements and guidelines for successful adoption. Remember, by adopting a pet, you're not only giving them a loving home but also improving your own well-being.
What Do You Need to Adopt a Pet in Omaha, NE?
Adopting a pet from an animal shelter or rescue in Omaha involves meeting specific requirements, which can vary depending on the shelter. These requirements may include presenting identification, completing an adoption application, answering questions, and potentially undergoing a home visit.
- Age minimum to adopt
To adopt a pet from most animal shelters and rescues, you must meet the age requirement, typically 18 years or older, but some may require you to be 21 or 25 years old and above.
- Fill out the online application
Additionally, you will need to fill out an online application, which asks for your contact information and details about your home and pet parenting experience.
- Cost of adoption fees
There is also a fee associated with adopting a pet, which covers expenses such as food, housing, medical care, utilities, and staffing. Although the fee may seem high, it is generally much less than the actual cost of caring for the animal until it is adopted. Shelters and rescues often rely on volunteers and donors to help cover these costs.
- Have a "meet and greet"
Before adopting a pet, you may be required to participate in a "meet and greet" with the animal to see how you get along and whether the pet is a good fit for your family.
- Home visit
Some shelters may also require a home visit to ensure that your home is suitable for a pet, which helps to prevent any future returns to the shelter.
Cost to Adopt a Pet from an Animal Shelter in Omaha, NE
When adopting a pet from an Omaha animal shelter, the adoption fees may include expenses like spaying or neutering, medical treatments, and microchipping. Some shelters offer reduced fees for specific groups, such as seniors or military personnel, and may also have discounted rates for senior pets or pets who have been at the shelter for an extended period of time. In addition, adopting multiple pets at once may also result in a discounted fee.
The adoption fees charged by animal shelters in Omaha can vary, so it is essential to check with the specific shelter you are interested in to get accurate pricing information. It's a wise idea to inquire about the adoption fees before getting attached to a particular pet, as this will help you budget appropriately and avoid any unexpected costs. Below are the prices from each of the top animal shelters to adopt from in Omaha, NE. It is always a good idea to call ahead as these fees can (and often do) change.
Nebraska Humane Society
The adoption fees for dogs at the Nebraska Humane Society range from $50 to $350, depending on the dog's age, size, and breed. For cats, the adoption fee is $5 for senior cats (7 years and older), $25 for adult cats (6 months to 6 years), and $125 for kittens (under 6 months).
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue
The adoption fees for dogs at Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue range from $250 to $350, depending on the age and breed of the dog. For cats, the adoption fee is $75.
Little White Dog Rescue
The adoption fees for dogs at Little White Dog Rescue range from $200 to $300, depending on the age and breed of the dog.
Town & Country Humane Society
The adoption fees for dogs at Town & Country Humane Society range from $50 to $300, depending on the age, size, and breed of the dog. For cats, the adoption fee is $25 for senior cats (7 years and older) and $60 for adult cats (6 months to 6 years).
Alpha Paw
The adoption fees for dogs at Alpha Paw range from $250 to $450, depending on the age and breed of the dog.
Harbor of Hope Dog Rescue
The adoption fees for dogs at Harbor of Hope Dog Rescue range from $275 to $325, depending on the age and breed of the dog.
Where is the Best Place to Adopt a Pet in Omaha, NE?
There are several places in Omaha where you can adopt a pet from an animal shelter. You'll find humane societies, government-funded organizations, animal shelters, and animal rescues. Check out some of the most popular, reputable places to adopt a pet in Omaha, NE, below. No matter which place you choose, there are tons of loving dogs, cats, and more who are ready for their new forever home.
Nebraska Humane Society
The Nebraska Humane Society is one of the largest animal shelters in Omaha, NE, and has been serving animals since 1875. They are a private non-profit organization that operates on donations from the public. The Nebraska Humane Society is committed to finding loving homes for all the pets that come through their doors. They offer many services, including pet adoptions, lost and found pet services, pet behavior help, and much more.
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue
Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue is a non-profit organization that helps dogs find their forever homes. They specialize in rescuing dogs at risk of being euthanized in shelters. The organization is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations to continue their work. They offer a foster program where volunteers can take in dogs until they find a permanent home. Muddy Paws Second Chance Rescue also has adoption events where people can come and meet the dogs that are available for adoption.
Little White Dog Rescue
Little White Dog Rescue is a small non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes small dogs in the Omaha, NE, area. They specialize in dogs under 20 pounds and are a foster-based rescue. This means that all the dogs in their care are kept in loving foster homes until they find their forever families. Little White Dog Rescue also offers resources for pet owners, including low-cost spay and neuter programs, microchipping, and training resources.
Town & Country Humane Society
The Town & Country Humane Society is a no-kill animal shelter that serves the Omaha area. They have been providing a safe haven for animals since 1973. The shelter is a non-profit organization that is run entirely by volunteers and donations from the public. They offer pet adoption services, spay and neuter programs, and pet care education for the community. Town & Country Humane Society is committed to finding loving homes for all the animals in their care.
Alpha Paw
Alpha Paw is an online platform that connects pet lovers with adoptable dogs in greater Omaha. They work with local animal shelters and rescues to help find homes for dogs in need. Alpha Paw is committed to promoting responsible pet ownership and helps educate pet owners on the best practices for pet care. They offer a variety of resources, including a blog, an online shop for pet supplies, and pet adoption services.
Hearts United for Animals
Hearts United for Animals is a no-kill shelter and sanctuary dedicated to the relief of suffering. Located in Auburn, Nebraska, they specialize in rescuing dogs from puppy mills, disasters, and homeless situations. What makes them unique is their commitment to not only rescue but also to educate the public about the horrors of puppy mills. They provide a haven for animals with nowhere else to go, ensuring they receive medical care and love. Their special program, HUA's JetSet Dogs, flies at-risk dogs from high-kill shelters to safety.
Harbor of Hope Dog Rescue
Harbor of Hope Dog Rescue is a non-profit organization that rescues and rehomes dogs in Omaha. They are a foster-based rescue and rely on donations to continue their work. Harbor of Hope Dog Rescue is committed to finding loving homes for all the dogs in their care. They offer pet adoption services, a foster program, and resources for pet owners, including training and behavior resources.
PetFinder.com & AdoptAPet.com
In addition to these shelters, you may also be able to find pets for adoption through online resources such as Petfinder.com or AdoptAPet.com. You can view pictures of cats, dogs, and other small pets from numerous animal shelters and rescues nearby. And you can filter through the available pets to find what you're looking for based on species, gender, breed, size, age, and whether or not they are good with children and other pets.
Adopt a Pet in Omaha, NE, today!
Now that you've seen just how many places there are to adopt a pet in Omaha and you know the potential fees and requirements for adoption, it's time to start the search for your new fur baby!
At Local Pet Care, we're here to help you not only find the best places to adopt but also the best dog-friendly restaurants and the best dog parks and dog-friendly parks in Omaha, NE. Plus, we'll help you find the best local pet care professionals right near your home. With all of these resources, you will be set up for pet-parenting success!
For more great articles about dog-friendly activities and pet-parenting advice, check out the Blog at LocalPetCare.com.